Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "That" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "that", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
それ
それ (sore)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
あちら
あちら (achira)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "that" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between それ and あちら.
In Japanese, それ (それ (sore)) is typically associated with "that (thing near listener)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Demonstrative pronoun referring to a thing near the listener, or something previously mentioned. Forms the 'so' series..
On the other hand, あちら (あちら (achira)) maps to "that way, that place; that person (polite, far from both)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite equivalent of あれ. A literal translation of "that" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "それ"
それはあなたの本ですか。
Is that your book?
Bilingual Context for "あちら"
あちらの建物が博物館です。 / あちらの方が部長です。
That building over there is the museum. / That person over there is the department manager.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ はあなたの本ですか。" (Meaning: "Is that your book?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "それ" fits here because it means "that (thing near listener)" in the context of: "Is that your book?". "あちら" represents "that way, that place; that person (polite, far from both)".